Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Age of my vintage Raleigh Record
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Codys311
05-29-09, 07:33 PM
I am restoring a 30+ year old Raleigh Record, and would like to know the year of manufacture. I have heard that this date will be stamped onto the bottom bracket. However, the crankset is held together with cotter pins, and I'd really rather not run the risk of bending/breaking the pins just to have a quick look at the bracket. Does anyone know of another way to find the bike's manufacture date, or at least an estimated date? Thanks.
Blue Order
05-29-09, 07:50 PM
I am restoring a 30+ year old Raleigh Record, and would like to know the year of manufacture. I have heard that this date will be stamped onto the bottom bracket. However, the crankset is held together with cotter pins, and I'd really rather not run the risk of bending/breaking the pins just to have a quick look at the bracket. Does anyone know of another way to find the bike's manufacture date, or at least an estimated date? Thanks.Photos, please.
That aside, the serial number should provide the info you need. There's a thread somewhere on this forum that decodes the Raleigh S/Ns.
Also, check out the catalogs at Retro Raleighs (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/).
knoregs
05-29-09, 08:57 PM
Restoring a 30+ year old bike doesn't include overhauling the bottom bracket? Anyway, like Blue Order suggests, the S/N should be good enough. My Record had the S/N on the BB shell. I also found most of the components were marked with mfg dates.
Codys311
05-30-09, 04:56 PM
Ok, so to answer your question knoregs, I wasn't planning on overhauling any parts of this bike that are in good shape, which includes the bottom bracket. If you think this is a big mistake, let me know...I'm still a little new at this. Also, I've attached a photo of the bike. Sorry the quality sucks, but I'm too poor to buy a decent camera.
I re-scoured the bike armed with some new information and found the serial number on the seat post tube lug. It is 2978863. From what I've read, this indicates that the bike was manufactured in 1972 (based on the fist digit of the S/N). Am I correct on my thinking on this?
Big mistake to not overhaul a 30 year old bike's bottom bracket. Grease is likely to be solidified molasses. Do a search on cotter pin removal, its not that tough if you are careful.
As far as bike date, just look up the component codes on the derailleurs. See the vintage Trek site for details. Whether the bike is as 1971, 1972 or 1973 should have little impact on value. The Raleigh Record was a low end bike, but they do have a classic look. If you plan to resell it, you need to be very careful on what you spend on it.